0
Crime down in Kingston Central as police cite Project STAR’s impact
April 28, 2026
Posted 2 hours ago by
KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is reporting a significant reduction in crime in Kingston Central Division, with police confirming zero violent incidents since the start of the year in communities such as Rose Gardens.According to a release from Project STAR, the update was shared at its town hall meeting at Pentab High School, where Divisional Commander Superintendent Mishka Forbes described the achievement as a major turnaround for an area once plagued by persistent violence.“It is quite a feat and an accomplishment, especially given the history of these communities,” Superintendent Forbes reportedly said, noting that the improvement reflects sustained collaboration between police, residents and social intervention partners.The release said the police credit the progress to consistent community engagement, monthly Community Intervention Team meetings, and joint efforts with stakeholders including Project STAR, restorative justice, Crime Stop and the Domestic Violence Intervention unit.It said according to Superintendent Forbes, residents have become increasingly receptive and actively involved in shaping solutions to long‑standing problems.According to data from the JCF, major crimes in Rose Gardens, including murder, shootings, robberies, break-ins and rape have steadily declined, falling from 25 incidents in 2023 to 14 in 2024, and further to nine in 2025.Ambassador Alison Stone Roofe, permanent secretary in the Ministry of National Security and Peace, commended the progress made in the community and said that the results in Kingston Central demonstrate the importance of social transformation alongside law enforcement.“This kind of reintegration of communities bringing collaboration within and among communities is part of what the Ministry of National Security is about,” Ambassador Stone Roofe reportedly said.
“Working side by side with Project STAR, our goal is to build stronger, better and safer communities that people want to live in, work in and raise their families.”She encouraged residents to continue playing an active role, stressing that sustainable change depends on community ownership and consistent participation.Project STAR sponsor Keith Duncan also highlighted the role of trust‑building and long‑term commitment in achieving the crime reduction.“What we have done in partnership with the community and the police has been tremendous,” Duncan reportedly said. “You cannot come into a community for one year and leave. You have to stay with the people, build trust, and work alongside them.”Duncan added that the Rose Gardens experience is now viewed as a model for other vulnerable communities, noting that the approach could be replicated nationally with continued government and private‑sector support.According to Project STAR, police officials say the Kingston Central results underscore the effectiveness of combining targeted policing with social intervention, economic support and community leadership, a strategy they believe can reshape other high‑risk areas across the island.
Jamaica Observer
Coverage and analysis from Jamaica. All insights are generated by our AI narrative analysis engine.